Soco campaigns in Bantayan Island

CEBU, Philippines -  Businessman Glenn Anthony Soco is the first candidate running for higher position who visited Hilutungan Islet in Bantayan Island to hold house to house campaign, said barangay captain Rey Paclibar.

Paclibar and other barangay officials of Hilutungan led Soco in going around the islet with a population of around 3,000 only and can be reached by 45 minutes boat ride from Bantayan wharf.

“Proud kaayo mi nga may daku nga politiko nga nituyok sa among baryo. (We are proud to have a politician in our barangay),” Paclibar said.

Paclibar aired out to Soco the need for livelihood assistance to his constituents to spare them from illegal gambling.

One of the livelihood activities Paclibar has mentioned is the development  of shell craft industry.

He said the place is abundant of shells that are just bought by middlemen at P8 per piece but are being sold to exporters by a hundred or even a thousand pesos per piece.

Paclibar proposed that shell craft products must be produced by the residents in order for them to earn more than just selling the shells per piece.

If elected vice governor, Soco promised to bring in exporters and provide technical know-how to produce shell crafts.

While the islet also has a problem of electricity, Paclibar assured Soco that he will provide generator set to run the shell craft industry.

“Nangita gyud mi og politiko nga makatabang sa mga constituents. (we are looking for politician who can help our constituents),” Paclibar said.

Soco was warmly welcomed by the people in the islet.

Early this month, Soco also crossed Lipayran, the farthest islet in Bantayan Island to campaign.

Though he was nominated by the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), Soco is still considered an independent candidate courting the leaders and supporters of both gubernatorial bets, Rep. Pablo John Garcia of One Cebu and Hilario Davide III of the Liberal Party.

Soco has been meeting barangay officials, senior citizens, health workers, women, youth and others sectors in Bantayan Island where he was already known when he ran as runningmate of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in 2010 elections. He lost to the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr.— (FREEMAN)